Who did Trump choose for his cabinet and administration?

(CLO) Mr. Trump must appoint about 4,000 officials, including the heads of 15 executive departments that make up the cabinet.

US President-elect Donald Trump has begun selecting his cabinet and other senior administration officials following his election victory on November 5.

Mr. Trump has to appoint about 4,000 officials, including the heads of the executive departments that make up his cabinet.

The US Cabinet consists of 15 federal agencies, each headed by a designated secretary. Together with the Vice President, these officials advise the President and carry out policies.

These appointments require Senate confirmation and typically, votes take place shortly after the President's inauguration, which will take place on January 20.

Who did Donald Trump choose for his cabinet and administration? Image 1 — Mr. Trump must appoint 15 heads of executive departments that make up the cabinet. Photo: PTI

Here is a list of those Mr. Trump has announced or is expected to announce.

Marco Rubio – Secretary of State (announced)

Mr. Trump appointed Florida Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, making him the first Latino to hold the post. Rubio, 53, a former foreign policy hawk, has shifted some of his views to align with Mr. Trump’s more hands-off stance, especially regarding China, Iran and Cuba.

Pete Hegseth – Secretary of Defense (announced)

On November 12, Mr. Trump announced that he had chosen Pete Hegseth, 44 years old, a Fox News commentator and veteran, for the position of Secretary of Defense.

Matt Gaetz – Attorney General (announced)

Matt Gaetz, 42, is a surprising and controversial choice for attorney general, given his limited judicial experience. However, as a US representative from Florida, Gaetz has been a staunch defender of Mr. Trump for years.

Linda McMahon – Secretary of Commerce (expected)

Linda McMahon, 76, former head of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment, is considered a leading candidate to lead Mr. Trump’s Commerce Department. She is a major donor and supporter of Mr. Trump in his 2024 election, as well as in 2020.

Kristi Noem – Secretary of Homeland Security (announced)

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, 52, has been chosen by Mr. Trump to be Secretary of Homeland Security. A prominent figure for refusing to mandate statewide mask wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem is known for her tough stance on border security. She is the first governor to send National Guard troops to support Texas at the southern border. Noem will work with Mr. Trump's "border czar," Tom Homan, to strengthen U.S. security.

Scott Bessent, Robert Lighthizer and Howard Lutnick are also being considered as potential candidates for Treasury Secretary.

Other prominent non-cabinet positions named by Mr. Trump in recent days include:

Tulsi Gabbard – Director of National Intelligence

Susie Wiles – White House Chief of Staff

Tom Homan – "Border Boss"

Elise Stefanik – United Nations Ambassador

Mike Huckabee – Ambassador to Israel

Lee Zeldin – Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency

Mike Waltz – National Security Advisor

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy – New Minister of Government Efficiency

John Ratcliffe – Director of the Central Intelligence Agency

Ngoc Anh (according to AJ)